drive thru safari in kentucky

Feed Camels And Ride A Mini Train At This Little Known Safari Park In Kentucky

Andrea Limke

A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.

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Camels and zebras and goats, oh my! And that’s just the beginning of the animals you’ll meet at this drive-thru safari park in Kentucky. You may not know about the newer Dutch Country Safari Park in Horse Cave, which is not only a drive-thru safari, but also offers hands-on animal encounters, feedings, and a mini train ride the kids will love. This charming place is run by friendly people who love their equally friendly animals and they are eager to welcome you into the park to make your own family memories in Kentucky.

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Add Dutch Country Safari Park to your list of places to visit when you spend time in or around Horse Cave. Or if you live nearby, this drive-thru safari park in Kentucky also makes for a great day trip! Have you been able to visit this new family-friendly park in Kentucky? Is it now on your list? Let us know in the comments!

For more information, including current hours and pricing, follow along with Dutch Country Safari Park on Facebook .

And if you want to plan a visit to Horse Cave and need a place to stay, consider this unique option that’s also fun for the whole family.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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ENJOY A DAY WITH ANIMALS AT DUTCH COUNTRY SAFARI PARK

located in Horse Cave, Kentucky - just miles from Mammoth Cave National Park

It’s almost here! We re-open for our 2024 season on March 27

The date is approaching fast and the animals can't wait to see you!

Mins Minutes

Secs Seconds

We are now open for our 2024 season!

We can't wait to see you!

We have a variety of animal encounters waiting for you! Take our 3/4 mile wagon ride through the safari & spend time feeding our smaller animals.

Season pass pricing for 2024, day ticket pricing.

3 & under

Group rates

Please call 270-925-4417

Field Trips

Field trips are welcome.

Please call and ask about the Hart County Tourism Field Trip Assistance Program.

Come visit - the animals are waiting!

Dutch Country Safari Park

2125 L and N Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, Kentucky 42749, United States

270-925-4417

Copyright © 2024 Dutch Country Safari Park - All Rights Reserved.

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Louisville Family Fun

Local events and things to do for families and kids around Louisville, Kentucky

Drive-Thru Safari near Louisville at Wilstem

New drive-thru safari near louisville at wilstem will open june 14, 2020.

Have a unique day at Wilstem on their new drive-thru animal adventure. 

Wilstem is great for animal encounters. Our writers have been there and loved interacting with giraffes and elephants. Now, Wilstem is now offering drive-thru safari near Louisville because during this unique time, they have decided to innovate their offerings. Families love animal attractions and with a drive-thru option, you don’t have to worry about social distancing and touching shared surfaces.

For the self-guided rides through the drive-thru safari, the times are 9am-4pm EST. The last car can enter at 4pm. Seven days a week. They recommend that your secure tickets in advance (but remember, they are non-refundable).

What animals will you see? (not all guaranteed to be visible)

How much does it cost for this drive-thru safari near Louisville?  (all plus a $2 fee)

Adults – $19.00 

Seniors (65+) – $17.00

Children (3-12) – $14.00

Ages 2 and under -FREE

​What about the wagon and bus rides? 

Adults – $29.00 

Seniors (65+) – $27.00

Children (3-12) – $24.00

We bet you have more questions. They have an FAQ page to answer some anticipated questions. Like….yes, restrooms are available and they are open in the rain. They have rules posted as well (you cannot bring a pet, you can’t feed the animals outside food, no smoking, drive slow, and more ). 

They note that access to the kangaroo and friends (Roos and Crews) barn is included . 

Think you will get hungry while there? Pack a picnic lunch or snacks. They have a picnic area that you will have access to while you are there. 

No motorcycles or open-top vehicles. 

Looking for more summer fun? No worries, we have you covered! Click here.  

• Outdoor Adventure
• Family Friendly
• History, Arts & Culture

Hidden River Cave

• Hidden River Cave Wild Cave Tour

Dutch Country Safari Park

• Hart County Historical Museum

Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour

Kentucky down under adventure zoo.

• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Mammoth Onyx Cave
• Old Munfordville Walking Tour
• American Cave Museum
• Battle for The Bridge Preserve

Horse Cave KOA Holiday

Holiday inn express, quality inn & suites.

• Super 8 Motel
• Horse Cave Motel
• Firefly Junction Vacation Rental
• Mills White Farms Vacation Rental
• Riverbend Resort
• Cedar Ridge Cabin
• Charming Farmhouse Retreat, Scenic Views, Spacious Yard
• The Farmhouse Apartment
• Dog Creek Campground
• Green River Park and Arboretum Camping

• Farmwald’s Restaurant Bakery & Gift Shop
• 5 Broke Girls
• Sugar Land Bakery & Cafe & Boutique
• Two Birds Cafe & Sawdust Splinters Woodworking
• Horse Cave McDonald’s
• Horse Cave Subway
• Wigwam General Store
• Pa-Daddy’s Backyard BBQ
• Green River Hill Grocery
• El Mazatlan
• Murray’s Restaurant
• King Buffet
• Grace Nutrition
• The Brew House Munfordville
• Munfordville Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
• Munfordville McDonald’s
• Munfordville Pizza Hut
• Munfordville Sonic
• Munfordville Taco Bell
• Bacon Creek Cafe

• Hidden River Treasures – Antiques ‘n Collectibles
• American Cave Museum Gift Shop
• Caveland Antiques
• Junkin’ Gypsy
• Treasured Creations
• Geega’s Home Decor
• The Hanger Boutique
• Sims Studio & Art Shop
• Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Gift Shop

Dennison’s Roadside Market

• Perkins Family Antiques
• R&S Groceries & Amish Bakery
• Munfordville Welcome Center & Gift Shop
• The Pink Daisy Market
• Hart County Farmer’s Market
• Hart County Historical Museum Gift Shop
• Hart County Produce Auction LLC
• Kuntry View Creations
• Miller’s Hitching Post
• Miller’s Wood Products
• Valley Healthy Treasures
• Windy Ridge Greenhouse
• Pleasant View Greenhouse
• Detweiler’s Country Store
• Crazy Bear Trading Post
• Schmucker’s Greenhouse
• Trophy Ridge Archery & Outdoors
• Attractions

Come feed the animals, drive thru the safari park, hang out in the petting zoo, ride the train and more!

Open Monday – Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays.

Regular admission price for 2023:

$17.99 – adult admission $10.99 – kids admission (ages 4-12) 3 and under is free $2 off military (active & retired) $2 off seniors (55 and up)

Groups of 8 or more can call for group info. Tickets can be purchased at the gate and we do accept debit/credit cards.

Season Passes

Season Passes are available to purchase for our 2023 season during the month of December and then when the season opens in the spring of 2023. You can call 270-925-4417 and pay by phone, passes will be mailed to you.

$34.99 – adult season pass $18.99 – kid season pass 3 & under is free Each season pass includes: 10% off in gift shop and $1 off train ride $2 off military (active & retired) $2 off seniors (55 and up)

Things To Do Nearby

Hidden River Cave Zipline & Rappel

Hart County Barn Quilt Trail

Dutch Country Safari Park 2125 L&N Turnpike Road Horse Cave , KY

Contact Info

270.925.4417

Dutch Country Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dutch Country Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.48 mi) Horse Cave Motel
• (0.42 mi) Modern Brick Home 9.2 mi to Mammoth Cave Sleeps 10
• (4.64 mi) Hampton Inn Cave City
• (4.69 mi) Sleep Inn & Suites
• (3.27 mi) Historic Wigwam Village No. 2
• (0.04 mi) C&J Cafe
• (0.10 mi) The Feeder Restaurant
• (0.04 mi) Sugar Land Bakery & Cafe,LLC
• (0.11 mi) Convenient Stop
• (0.81 mi) 5 Broke Girls

Last tour one hour before closing time

865-919-5072

Please call if you need more information.

Buy tickets

Wagon rides are available by appointment only

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents.

Visit Today

Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car.

Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.

See our gallery

See photos of some of the animals in the park.

Inside the gallery are some of the animals you will encounter when you visit the park.

The Park is OPEN 10AM-4PM Mon-Sun (Weather Permitting) Please call 865-919-5072 if you need more information.

EXPERIENCE A NEW WORLD

Each encounter is unique  click to discover more here.

Sloth Encounter

Giraffe  Encounter

Roos and Crew

Elephant Encounter

Otter Encounter

Primate  Encounter

Or see them ALL with the ALL ACCESS Package

Grizzly Encounter

MORE THAN JUST SEEING ANIMALS...

Save Time .

Save Time by clicking the link below and completing your waiver prior to arrival!

Have any  Questions ?

[email protected]     //  812-936-4484

4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454

Proudly created by: fuhscreative.com

For your safety and to allow us to continue this amazing experience, we ask that you follow our rules listed here and given by the tour guides  before embarking on each adventure!

Have fun and enjoy feeding our feathery and furry friends!

DRIVE-THRU SAFARI

Drive your own vehicle or sign up for a Safari Truck Tour! 

Safari Truck Tours are first come first serve sign-ups in the gift shop (must pay combo price).

Pre-booking only available for group reservations.

Welcome to our largest addition yet!

See over 100 animals of 25 species in our large open spaces at the Drive-Thru Safari. The Safari section is located just up the roa d from

Keys tone Safari's walk-thru par k.

 Please do NOT feed or interact with the Zebras, Blue Wildebeest, and Scimitar Horned Oryx. Any guest not following this rule will be escorted out of the park without refund. This rule is set in place to keep our guests and animals safe. 

Safari Truck  Tours

-Our 1970s ex-military vehicles are outfitted with bull bars and undercarriage framing to protect our animals, and you!

-Our tour guides are not just drivers! They are well equipped and highly trained to handle any questions and any encounters with our wild animals. Education is important to us as it is to you - come prepared to  learn  about our animals from nose to tail!

-You will get up close and personal with over 100 wild animals on this hour long trek across 80 acres of Rolling Plains, Thick Fore sts and Deep Waters!

Safari Drive-Thru (Personal Car)

Gates close 45 minute before cl osing

Keystone Safari and it’s affiliates are not responsible for damages to any vehicle. Drivers assume all liability when entering the Drive-Thru section of the park.

Jeeps Are Welcome!

We are excited to share the gravel road with o ur friends

Enjoy our safari tour from the comfort of your Jeep

Rules For Jeeps

Must have Full Doors or Half Doors

*No Soft Tops

*No Tube or Non-Metal Doors

Stay in the vehicle! Do not exit your vehicle or hang out of it

No outside animals of any kind

Stay on the Safari Road at all times

Speed Limit 2 MPH. Keep the animals safe

Animal List

Guanacos, Llamas, Miniature Donkeys, Highlander Cattle, Emu, Rhea,  Nilgai, Pere David’s Deer, Blue Wildebeest , Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Fallow Deer, American Bison, Yak, Common Eland, Turkey, Grant's Zebra, Water Buffalo, Elk and more!

Your Safari Awaits

Plan your breathtaking visit to The Wilds, located in beautiful southeastern Ohio. Advance reservations required.

Plan Your Stay at the Wildest Place Around

Discover one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world! Grab your camera and board our open-air safari vehicles for an exhilarating adventure through open-range landscapes. Watch Video

Celebrate 30 Years of The Wilds!

Enjoy discounts throughout the year, and share your memories with us, too!

African Painted Dog

Persian Onager

Bactrian Camel

Bactrian Deer

Pére David's Deer

Learn at The Wilds

Explore wild spaces, learn about the natural world, and make lifelong friends.

Discovery Field Stations

Our youngest guests can have an adventure all-their-own before their tour of The Wilds begins!

Overnight Programs

Night hikes, campfires, and 'smores. Come spend a night out in The Wilds!

Scout Day Program

The Wilds offers customized adventures for Scouts! 

get a closer look

If visiting the Columbus Zoo isn’t enough, find out how you can become an important part of our growing family.

Make A Donation Today!

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Prices and hours, planning your visit to wildlife safari.

Escape on a wild African Safari Drive Through Adventure and get up close to Ostrich, Watusi cattle, Lions and Zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your Safari journey will take you through Southern Africa where the Rhino and Giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America.

Take a trip past the incredibly inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white-naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. All from the comfort of your own vehicle, rain or shine, year-round.

Free Village Keeper Talks & Presentations

Check out the Always Free Safari Village and be sure to join us for keeper chats throughout the day!

General Admission Prices

Adults: 23.95, children: 17.95, seniors: 20.95.

Children 2 & under are FREE

Wildlife Safari is a 610-acre Drive-Thru animal park. Driving your own vehicle, it takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. You will receive a map of the park to enhance your experience and help identify animals with your admission. Group rates are available for groups of 12 or more which you can learn more about by inquiring with guest services at 541.679.6761 or [email protected].

Seasons & Hours

Open 363 days per year.

March – September Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 6:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

October Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 5:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

November – March Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 4:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

Eat at Safari

Safari village cafe hours:.

March – September 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grill closes at 4:30 p.m.

The Snack Shack is open until 5:30 p.m

October 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grill closes at 4:30 p.m.

November – March 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grill closes at 3:30 p.m.

For the safety of our animals and yours, NO animals are allowed in the Safari Village nor the Wildlife Safari Drive Through. Wildlife Safari offers free onsite (unsupervised) kennels for pets, and sells locks for the kennels for a $5 fee at guest services, inside of the gift shop. It is recommended to bring a water bowl as well.

Drive Thru Rules & Restrictions

• Wildlife Safari is located in Winston, Oregon, just minutes off of I-5.
• Animal Enrichment Encounter tickets do not include drive-through admission, which is required to participate in Animal Enrichment Encounters.
• Be sure to check out the Always Free Safari Village .
• Mothers get in free on Mother’s Day, fathers get in free on Father’s Day, veterans get in free on Veteran’s Day.

Wildlife Safari gives you the opportunity to take a trip to Southern Oregon to escape on a wild African Safari and get up close to ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions and zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your journey will take you through Southern Africa where the Rhino and Giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America. Take a trip past the awe-inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. At Wildlife Safari, adventure rules daily.

• While ticket and enrichment encounter payments are non-refundable, should you need to reschedule our guest services department would be happy to assist you with an alternate time or an upgraded encounter.
• Encounter times subject to change, please call ahead for availability.
• Tickets for drive through admission do not expire, and are valid until redeemed.
• Enter the Wildlife Safari Drive Thru Animal Park at your own risk.
• No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles must have tops up at all times)
• No Motorcycles
• No pets are allowed in the Safari Drive-Through, nor in the Safari Village
• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

• NKY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

(Photo from Louisville Mega Cavern)

Louisville Mega Cavern and Imagine Exhibitions will take families on an adventure to learn how prehistoric dinosaurs evolved over time, where they lived, and other discoveries of paleontologists! Travel back in time to experience earthquakes and dinosaur battles while staying safely in the car for COVID times. As guests drive through Dino Safari, they will have an up-close-and-personal adventure, encountering dinosaurs like the Diplodocus and the terrifying T. rex. Visitors may just help save the life of a dinosaur along the way!

Dino Safari is the perfect COVID-safe experience for families to enjoy from the safety of their own vehicle, no matter what kind of weather Kentucky springs on us. Guests may pre-order tickets that will be scanned through their car window upon entrance to create a contactless experience.

“We are so excited to surprise and delight visitors with a dinosaur-filled experience. Families can join us for a safe COVID-friendly experience unlike anything Louisville Mega Cavern has ever seen,” stated Charles Park, Louisville Mega Cavern Executive Vice President. “We have the wonderful opportunity of partnering with Imagine Exhibitions, and our team is excited to welcome our dinosaur friends down under for the first time!”

Dino Safari was created alongside paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson. The experience will take visitors on an educational expedition to prehistoric times. Visitors will be guided through the fictional “Pangea National Park” with an audio tour (available in both English and Spanish). Guests will download a free app to access to access the audio guide while in the caves (details coming soon!). Each vehicle is given a “Survival Pack” which will contain your passport to Pangea with a scavenger hunt and other fun surprises along the way!

Louisville Mega Cavern is known throughout the country for its unique underground experiences, including Mega Zips, Mega Quest, and their highly anticipated Lights Under Louisville experience for the holidays, which boasts more than 5 million points of light and draws thousands of visitors per year. In 2017, Trip Advisor named Louisville Mega Cavern among its top 25 attractions in the country.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this safe and fun experience to families into the Louisville area, particularly in light of the many challenges everyone has faced over the last year,” said Tom Zaller, President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, producer of Dino Safari. “Our animatronic dinosaurs transport visitors to a land of prehistoric proportions!”

Visitors interested in the Dino Safari fun may visit louisvillemegacavern.com to purchase passes in-advance for the contactless drive-through experience. Passes will begin at $49.95 per vehicle with up to 7 passengers and $59.95 per vehicle with 8 or more passengers, up to 24. Limo, RV and Small School Bus are priced at $79.95.

For the first time ever, friends and families can experience Dino Safari underground! Guests can find additional information and answers to frequently asked questions at louisvillemegacavern.com .

Louisville Mega Cavern

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9:30AM - Last Entry @ 4:00PM

• About/Location
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• Drive-Thru Safari Tours
• Meet the Animals
• Coffee Corner ☕️
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Welcome to Beavers Bend Self Drive-Thru Safari Park

Nestled on 90 acres in the heart of Hochatown, OK near Hochatown Saloon. Beavers Bend Drive-Thru Safari Park is home to a variety of animals like Rhino, Bison, Zebra, Ostrich, Kudu, Exotic Antelope, Lemurs, Kangaroos, Elk and counting. The safari park roadway is approximately 1.8 miles long meandering through stunning natural terrain with towering trees and water streams making it the perfect backdrop to observe our magnificent animals.

Additionally, make sure to visit our charming coffee shop within the gift shop. It's the perfect opportunity to recharge and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you've shared with your family.

Beavers Bend Safari Park is open year round, park hours vary based on seasonal and holiday demands.

HOURS Daily; 9:30am-5:00pm; Last entry at 4:00pm

Turn off Hwy 259 toward the Hochatown Saloon onto Old Hochatown Rd.

What guests are saying

This drive through safari park is a great experience for all ages! A well manicured road winds through the wooded animal exhibits, making it very easy to enjoy. The layout is optimal to spot all the variety of animals with each turn. We especially enjoyed the friendly staff and getting to see their newest baby bison that was born earlier that day! Can’t wait to visit again!

The service was amazing. The owners and employees were all extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The animals were all adorable and it was so much fun. You could see animals up close and personal. It’s beautifully build, and the animals look so happy. VERY much worth the money. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will definitely be coming back!

Wow!! What a really fun park. Took my kids (all under the age of 10) and had the best time. The safari park is really well laid out so that you can see the animals without spending all your time searching for them. The park was clean and looked professionally done, from the moment you entered the parking lot. You can tell the animals are well taken care of and I appreciated that we saw animals we never knew existed.

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